Trenton, NJ -- Derby, the Golden Retriever bat dog for the Trenton Thunder Minor League Baseball team, recently became a father and the Thunder are proud to introduce the newest four-legged member of the Thunder family.

The Thunder are asking fans for their help in naming the bat dog of the future. Fans are encouraged to submit potential names ONLINE HERE. The name submission period will end on Friday, January 17 and the top names will be announced shortly after. Fans will be asked to vote for their favorite.

The Thunder gained worldwide attention starting in 2002 when then two-year old "Chase That Golden Thunder" joined the team as an official bat dog, entertainer and mascot. In 2008, Chase fathered a litter of puppies. His son "Home Run Derby" followed in his father's pawsteps in Trenton while "Ollie" continued the family business with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA, Toronto). Chase and Derby worked alongside each other at ARM & HAMMER Park from 2010 until Chase's passing last July.

The puppy will make many appearances at Thunder games this season. He will be trained by Shelly's School for Dogs in Millstone, NJ and should make his bat dog debut for Thunder fans during the 2015 season. The puppy, like his dad Derby, is sponsored by ARM & HAMMER.

The puppy was born on December 15 at Goldilocks Goldens of Levittown, PA. Derby's mate Reba had a litter of two puppies, a boy and girl.

The Thunder will begin the 2014 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 3. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale on March 1, 2014. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.